Posts Tagged ‘House hunting tips’

House Hunting Tips for Buyers in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. Here are a few tips for buyers.
1. Know thyself: Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a two story? If you want a fixer upper, do you have the $$ and the time? Start a Priority list of “Need”, “Want” and “Dreams”. Keep updating and deleting the list.

2. Get your finances in order: Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Call Pat Cannone at Coldwell Banker Home Loans @630.962.6680 and tell him Caryn sent you. He will be able to tell you what you can afford and will offer you a FREE pre approval letter.

3. Research before you look: Begin your search by going to 123HomeSweetHome.com and use my FREE home search. You don’t have to even sign in. See what your price range has in the way of amenities. Can you actually get into the neighborhood you have always wanted? While you are there, check out my link for schools in the area.

4. Think long term: In today’s Real Estate environment, you need to be thinking in the long term. You should plan to be in your new home for at least six to seven years. Location is as important as it ever was, perhaps even more so today than ever before. Find an area you love and you can never go wrong. If you are not sure about what area would suit you, give me a call and I can help you narrow your search.

5.  Be realistic: It’s OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded. I once had a client who refused to see anything that had a blue house on the same block. True Story!

6. Find an agent you trust and Listen to their advice: It’s natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. I recently had a client that missed out on his dream home because he didn’t believe there was a second offer and wanted to think about it. It was SOLD that night.

If you are just beginning your first home search or are in the market for your end house, I would love to work with you. Take a moment and see what my clients are saying about me on my website: 123HomeSweetHome.com.

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To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027